Barcelona hat-trick hero reveals Real Madrid were interested in him – ‘It’s true’ | OneFootball

Fermin Lopez is currently one of the most in-form players for Barcelona as they gear up for the season’s first El Clasico.

The Spanish international is coming on the back of a hat-trick against Olympiacos and is a favourite to occupy the attacking midfield position for Barcelona this weekend.

With Dani Olmo, Gavi, and now Raphinha firmly ruled out of Sunday’s clash, Fermin Lopez’s creativity in the final third will be integral for Barcelona.

Real Madrid were interested in Fermin

However, Fermin’s career trajectory could have ended very differently as Real Madrid were interested in his services at one point.

This has been revealed by Fermin himself, in a recent interaction with Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT), ahead of the Clasico.

“It’s true that there was that interest, but my father told me very little. If he had asked me my opinion, I would have chosen Barça anyway, because it was my big dream,” he said.

Fermin admitted that staying at Barcelona was the right choice for the player, who has now emerged as one of Hansi Flick’s most important players in the final third.

“I’m very happy to have made it come true, and I hope I can stay here for many years,” he added.

Not only that, but Fermin is also confident of Barcelona’s chances of beating Real Madrid again this weekend.

“Our confidence level from zero to ten? Ten. We’re Barça and we have a great team. Everyone in the locker room is desperately eager to win the Clasico.

Fermin Lopez is in red hot form right now. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“There’s still a lot of La Liga to play for, but we know it’s a very important game for us and all the Culers. We’ll give everything to win the game and bring joy to the Barça fans,” he said.

Fermin was also asked whether or not Barcelona will change the approach against Real Madrid this weekend.

“That’s for Hansi to decide, he’s the one in charge. We just execute the game plan, but our style of play has given us good results, as seen last year.

“Regarding the fact that we’re not pressing as well now, I can say that these are moments of the season and we’ve corrected what we weren’t doing well in recent games,” he said.

The Spaniard went on to heap praise on Pedri, who has also received compliments from Marcus Rashford heading into this weekend’s encounter.

“He is an incredible footballer who will mark an era in the club and in the world of football. We have a good relationship because he is also a great teammate. I would like to play with him for many years,” he said.

Finally, Fermin revealed some of his top pre-match rituals, especially when preparing for a game of this magnitude.

“Yes, there is something special I do: pray. My grandmother always tells me I should do it, and that’s why I do it. Rapper Morad is one of his favourite singers, one he listens to before matches,” he concluded.